Injured duck

[Moweryj12]

This is my Sweetie. Found her like this this morning. We have 2 ducks and 8 chickens. This is the larger of the gashes. She has a smaller one on the other side of her head. Looks like something tried to grab her by the head and I found a bunch of feathers up by our fence. This picture is several hours after injury. I focused on getting the ducks separated and settled before deciding what to do next. Should I get her to clean? She was literally shaking still when I first saw her this morning. I don’t want to traumatize her any more but also don’t want an infection. We’ve had our ducks for about a year and a half and this is the first injury we’ve had. Sweetie is “my sweetie “ and I want to make sure she’s ok. Any advice on cleaning,sprays or ointments would be greatly appreciated. All advice on getting my sweet girl healthy again. Thanks in advance! Jenn

 

[Miss Lydia]

You could put her into clean water and let her clean herself if she isn’t in shock. Saline rinse, Veterycin spray for wounds and infection are a few things you can treat her with. How deep is the gash clipping the feathers back will help you keep it clean and easier to treat.

 

[Moweryj12]

You could put her into clean water and let her clean herself if she isn’t in shock. Saline rinse, Veterycin spray for wounds and infection are a few things you can treat her with. How deep is the gash clipping the feathers back will help you keep it clean and easier to treat.

She’s pretty traumatized still. I didn’t know earlier but my husband apparently saved her from a coyote that was dragging her off around 5 this morning. He’s been at work. Can I get antibiotics somewhere other than the vet?

 

[Jenbirdee]

first treat for shock
this post has the protocol
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ould-be-appreciated-nsfw-pic-in-post.1568450/

I know you have a duck and the post is about a chicken but no matter. Azygous protocol is very good

 

[Jenbirdee]

Azygus said (in post I quoted)


An oral antibiotic would be wise if you are in possession of one or order at the link I provide below. Here is my wound protocol:

1. Treat for shock as the number one step. Give warm Gatoraid or mix a half teaspoon of sugar into a fourth of a cup of warm water with a pinch of salt and baking soda. Have the patient drink it all or syringe it into the beak.

2. Flush the wound well with saline. This is better than soap and water as it maintains the PH of the tissues. But warm soap and water will do. You need to wash away the bacteria from the wound.

3. Inspect the wound carefully. If it has a skin flap dangling, keep that. Do not cut it off. Look for bite, tear or puncture marks indicating a puncture wound. If you see this, the patient will need an oral antibiotic such as amoxicillin. Bacteria from the predator’s mouth can be injected deep into tissue and can kill in as little as 24 to 48 hours. You can order this https://www.kvsupply.com/item/aqua-mox-250mg-capsules-100-count/P06184/250mg once a day for ten days. Or you may be able to find this or something similar at TSC or a pet store.

4. Spray with Vetericyn wound treament and let dry. Use a topical antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin or a generic without pain killer in it to coat the wound. If there's a skin flap, lay it across the wound that has just been coated with the ointment. Then smooth on a generous amount over the top of the skin flap to hold it in place.

5. It's useless to try to stitch a wound on a chicken. Don't even try. It's also useless to try to bandage a wound other than on the feet. The chicken will not tolerate it. It will be pulled off faster than you can blink an eye.

6. Clean the wound every day following the above steps. Keep the wound covered with the ointment. Never allow the wound to get dried out or it will not heal.

 

[Miss Lydia]

you can order Baytril at https://allbirdproducts.com/products/baytril-10 I think Chewy sells fish antibiotics which we can use for our poultry. maybe other places online too.
Oh my gosh a coyote how scary I hope you have your ducks in a secure pen because it will be back.

 

[Moweryj12]

first treat for shock
this post has the protocol
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ould-be-appreciated-nsfw-pic-in-post.1568450/

I know you have a duck and the post is about a chicken but no matter. Azygous protocol is very good

Thank you very much!

 

[Miss Lydia]

you can order Baytril at https://allbirdproducts.com/products/baytril-10 I think Chewy sells fish antibiotics which we can use for our poultry. maybe other places online too.
Oh my gosh a coyote how scary I hope you have your ducks in a secure pen because it will be back.

i think TSC has Tylan not sure if they carry anything else in the way of antibiotics

 

[Moweryj12]

i think TSC has Tylan not sure if they carry anything else in the way of antibiotics

i think TSC has Tylan not sure if they carry anything else in the way of antibiotics

I appreciate all the help. Yes we do have a secure pen for the ducks and chickens at night. Definitely made sure it was secure last night.
Sweetie looks to be doing much better today. I rinse her with warm salt water last night and put some neosporean cream on it. I brought her inside and my other duck was at the back door the whole time. I did give her some antibiotics and she stayed in the pen last night. She’s eating today and out with the rest of them. Hopefully she continues to do good. Again I appreciate all the help. Yesterday was scary